An Intelligent Methodology for the Co-Combustion of Blends of Coal and Unprepared Biomass

Shee Meng Thai, Steven Wilcox, Alex Chong, John Ward, Andrew Proctor

    Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingConference contribution

    Abstract

    This paper describes the development of an intelligent software based operating strategy to enable chain grate stokers to burn various blends of unprepared biomass with the minimum proportion of support fuel required to achieve a desired boiler output and thermal efficiency. A series of commissioning tests were conducted on a 880kWth chain grate stoker-fired hot water boiler to investigate the combustion characteristics of the boiler when burning various blends of unprepared biomass of varying moisture content with a support fuel over a wide range of boiler operating conditions. A fuzzy logic-based operating strategy developed using the data and operational experience gained from the tests has been implemented into a spreadsheet and was used to validate untested blends of unprepared biomass of different moisture content with the support fuels. This information on the required blend ratio and stoker operating parameters will enable operators of chain grate stoker-fired boilers to maximise the use of unprepared biomass. In summary, the work has been able to demonstrate that it is possible to efficiently co-fire unprepared, high moisture content biomass with support fuels on a chain grate stoker.
    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationProceedings of the 8th European conference on industrial furnaces and boilers
    EditorsA. Reis, J. Ward, W. Leuckel
    Place of PublicationPortugal
    ISBN (Electronic)978-972-99309-3-5
    Publication statusPublished - 28 Mar 2008
    Event8th European Conference on Industrial Furnaces and Boilers - Vilamoura, Portugal
    Duration: 25 Mar 200828 Mar 2008
    Conference number: 8th

    Conference

    Conference8th European Conference on Industrial Furnaces and Boilers
    Abbreviated titleINFUB8
    Country/TerritoryPortugal
    CityVilamoura
    Period25/03/0828/03/08

    Fingerprint

    Dive into the research topics of 'An Intelligent Methodology for the Co-Combustion of Blends of Coal and Unprepared Biomass'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

    Cite this